Callum Simpson retained his British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles with an excellent second-round technical knockout of Steed Woodall at Sheffield’s Park Community Arena.

Boxing for the first time since his younger sister, Lily-Rae, tragically passed away after being involved in an accident whilst on holiday, Simpson headlined his second consecutive Sky Sports show against the dangerous 30-year-old from Birmingham.

Woodall (19-3-1, 12 KOs) earned his shot with a stunning knockout of the previously undefeated Lerrone Richards last June but so quickly has Simpson’s reputation grown, he still entered the fight as a sizeable underdog.

Last week, the 28-year-old told The Ring he'd been offered the chance to return in an easier fight but, keen to maintain the momentum built when winning the British and Commonwealth titles by outpointing Zak Chelli in front of 7,000 fans in his Barnsley hometown last August, instructed his team to make the Woodall bout.

Simpson (16-0, 11 KOs) had to hunt down the awkward Chelli but, from the opening bell, found Woodall far more willing to engage. Simpson gave ground but always held his feet and unloaded shots before Woodall could build much momentum. A left hook to the body as the round ended seemed to grab Woodall’s attention.

The decisive breakthrough came early in the second. A Simpson flurry forced Woodall into the ropes and he dropped him to one knee with a right uppercut.

Woodall went down heavily and unsteadily made it to his feet at the count of nine. Simpson was in no mood to let him off the hook and pounced. Almost immediately, he bullied the challenger back to the ropes and put together another accurate combination.

Referee Mark Bates hovered over the action but eventually decided to step in and stop the fight. The ending seemed slightly premature but Woodall was undoubtedly hurt, the official time coming at 1:56 of round two.

Simpson rose through the ranks quickly, building a reputation as a damaging puncher with an exciting style. The measured, must-win showing against a tricky Chelli may have caused people to forget just how destructive he can be but this served as a timely reminder.

Given the personal ordeal Simpson has been through over the past few months, his focus deserves admiration.

Simpson sold out the Park Community Arena and feels like a fighter on the rise. Post-fight, he confirmed a return to Barnsley's Oakwell Stadium this summer for a much bigger night. The mission for Boxxer? Find him a worthy opponent.